Madeira — Visas and Vaccinations

Visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Portugal (including Madeira) and the Schengen zone visa-free. As long as you have a passport which is valid for six months from your date of entry, you will typically be granted 90 days in the region. EU visitors, including those from the UK and Ireland, can come and go as they please with a valid passport.

Health and Safety

The sun is the main health risk in Maderia, so load up on the sunscreen while on the beach or hiking. Tap water is safe to drink, including on Porto Santo, and there are few island pests to be wary of. Madeira is malaria-free and mosquitoes are seldom a problem here, although biting midges inland can be annoying.

Vaccinations are not needed unless you are originating from a country prone to yellow fever. Doctors and hospitals come at a fee, so always take out travel insurance and have coverage for accidents, as the roads are steep and winding in places. EU residents can receive free emergency medical care with an European Health Insurance Card.

Levels of crime are low on Madeira, although pickpockets do operate at tourist hotspots in Funchal. Keep a close eye on your bag and try to make a point of withdrawing money during the day only.

Many of Madeira’s beaches are partially enclosed, and/or monitored, and the waters are shark-free. Watch your footing when walking around hilly towns and villages, as many streets are cobblestone and can get slippery when wet. Try to do hikes earlier in the day when it’s not too hot and there is less chance of getting stuck in the mountains.